Les Arts premieres the comic-lyrical absurdity ‘A mystery of a farce or zarzuela in a pot’, a tribute to the Valencian composer José Serrano

• Enrique Viana is responsible for the original idea, dramaturgy, stage direction, and costumes of this show, with music by Maestro Serrano.
• Artists from the Centre de Perfeccionament star in this production, with set design by Daniel Bianco and choreography by Cristina Arias

 The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía premieres this coming February 19th at the Teatre Martín i Soler Un misterio de sainete o zarzuela a la cazuela , a “comic-lyric absurdity in one act and several scenes” conceived by the lyric singer, actor and stage director Enrique Viana, which pays homage to the Valencian composer José Serrano, an indisputable figure of the zarzuela and author of reference works such as La dolorosa , Alma de Dios or Moros y Cristianos .

The artistic director of Les Arts, Jesús Iglesias Noriega, and Enrique Viana himself presented this newly created show at a press conference today, which champions the Spanish lyric genre and is committed to its renewal to bring it closer to new audiences without renouncing its essence.

“ A mystery play, a farce or zarzuela in a pot, is Les Arts’ tribute to José Serrano, presented on the contemporary stage. It’s a show that looks to tradition with respect and affection, but speaks the language of today, with humor, rhythm, and enormous theatrical vitality. No one is better suited than Enrique Viana to carry out this mission!” Iglesias Noriega emphasized.

Enrique Viana is responsible for the original concept, dramaturgy, stage direction, and costumes of this new Les Arts production, with set design by Daniel Bianco and choreography by Cristina Arias. The Madrid-born artist, a key figure in the renewal of zarzuela, has made the fusion of music, humor, and contemporary themes a hallmark of his work, connecting directly with audiences through a lighthearted and lively style.

Conceived in the style of the one-act lyrical farces of the early 20th century, Un misterio de sainete o zarzuela a la cazuela brings together romances and ensemble numbers chosen from Serrano's lesser-known titles, "ideal for discovering new treasures of our musical theatre and for taking a fresh look at creations from other times," Enrique Viana pointed out.

His “comic-lyrical farce in one act and several scenes” unfolds in a Valencian-style village governed by a council of analog grannies , with a high school full of boys and girls , and a town square where every mystery is solved and every disagreement ends in revelry. Against this backdrop of contemporary local customs, José Serrano's music inspires Enrique Viana to create a true “suspenseful farce” that blends fantasy, humor, irony, and veiled criticism.

“The show has all the ingredients of the lyric theater that brought joy to people in these parts a century ago,” according to Viana. “Then, fantasy, absurdity, surreal humor, a suspenseful farce plot, irony, incredible topicality, and veiled criticism are all thrown into a cauldron and mixed with the melodies of old zarzuelas and contemporary lyrics. The result… an hour of pleasure, entertainment, emotion, and smiles, if not outright laughter.”

Iglesias Noriega also emphasized the role of the Centre de Perfeccionament in this tribute to Serrano, which features all former students and current artists of the Opera Studio at Les Arts. “For them, it represents an excellent exercise in vocal versatility, a sense of humor, and interpretive skills. For the audience, it's an opportunity to discover voices that will play a significant role in the future, in a format that is intimate, entertaining, and deeply our own.”

After its run at Les Arts, the show will be adapted for the new season of the 'Les Arts volant' truck, the artistic director has announced.

The Teatre Martín i Soler hosts the world premiere of "Un misterio de sainete o zarzuela a la cazuela" this Thursday, February 19 (7:30 p.m.). The show will have two additional performances: Saturday, February 21 (7:00 p.m.) and Sunday, February 22 (6:00 p.m.). Tickets are €37. For more information, please visit the Les Arts website.